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GATESVILLE – Everything of value always increases in price, except for members of the Gates County ABC Board.

However, their service to the county will finally be rewarded.

The Gates County Board of Commissioners, at their April 16 meeting, approved a measure that increases the stipend received by ABC Board members. The Commissioners appoint the ABC Board members.

By a 5-0 vote, the Commissioners approved a measure that increases the stipend for the ABC Board chairman to $150 per meeting. The other members of the ABC Board will see their per meeting stipend increase to $100.

It was noted that one ABC Board member has been in place for over 40 years, receiving the same per meeting stipend over that period of time.

Commissioner Dave Forysthe noted that the funds used to pay the ABC Board members is generated from the taxes assessed to the sale of alcoholic beverages.

“This is a working capital fund, this [per meeting increase] does not affect the county’s budget,” Forsythe said, adding that he felt the pay adjustment was “well deserved.”

The measure, which takes effect July 1, was approved without objection.

The Commissioners also approved a motion to stagger the terms of the ABC Board members.